M&A Associate

M&A Associate

You evaluate acquisition targets end to end: build the model, run the comps, pressure-test the assumptions and write the investment memo leadership uses to decide.

Remote · Latin America · $3,200-$4,500 USD/month · Full-time · Independent Contractor · Monday to Friday · 9 AM-6 PM CT

Why this role exists

Our client is an acquisitive company, search fund or PE-backed platform that buys businesses and needs deal horsepower without an investment-banking price tag. They evaluate targets rigorously, close deals efficiently and integrate them for growth.

What you'll own

• Valuation, LBO and operating models for acquisition targets, and deal profitability assessment
• Market research and comps to identify and screen targets against the acquisition thesis
• Due diligence: financials, contracts and business risks, with their impact on the deal quantified
• Investment memos, board and investor presentations, and reports that support negotiations and decisions
• Deal process coordination across buyers, sellers, legal teams and senior executives
• Post-merger integration and synergy realization support, plus monitoring industry trends for new opportunities

Why this is interesting

• You work directly with senior leadership and deal principals who value clear analysis and sound judgment
• Live deal diligence some weeks, sourcing and screening targets against the thesis others
• Your scope grows with deal complexity

What we're looking for

• 3-5 years in M&A, investment banking, private equity, transaction advisory or corporate development, typically progressing from an analyst role
• Advanced financial modeling (valuation, LBO, accretion/dilution), expert in Excel and PowerPoint
• Strong analytical, negotiation and communication skills, with attention to detail under deal deadlines
• Bachelor's in finance, economics or a related field
• English C1, written and spoken, to present to investors and deal principals

Bonus

• MBA or CFA
• Banking or PE background
• Experience on closed buy-side deals and post-merger integration
• Comfortable using AI to accelerate diligence and memo drafting

What success looks like

First 90 days

You own the model and the diligence workstream on at least one live or practice deal, and leadership trusts your numbers. You have produced one full investment memo with a clear recommendation, and you respond to deal team requests on tight timelines.

Ongoing

You support deals end to end, from screening through integration planning. Your judgment is trusted on go/no-go calls, and your scope grows with deal complexity as you mentor junior team members.

Why Puente

Puente connects experienced Latin American professionals with growing US companies. We do not operate as a generic job board: we selectively match candidates with active roles and guide them through the hiring process.

3% acceptance rate · 2,873+ professionals placed · 97% retention beyond 12 months · 18 countries · 100% remote

Hiring process

• Apply, including a short skills assessment
• Puente screening: a WhatsApp intro, then a recruiter interview
• Client interview with the hiring manager
• Background check and offer

Apply now

Submit your resume in PDF and complete the short skills assessment we share with every applicant. It is how we evaluate written communication, accuracy and attention to detail for this role.